CVE-2019-25653: Navicat for Oracle DoS Vulnerability

CVE-2019-25653 Overview

CVE-2019-25653 is a denial of service vulnerability affecting Navicat for Oracle version 12.1.15. The vulnerability allows local attackers to crash the application by supplying an excessively long string in the password field during Oracle connection configuration. By pasting a buffer of 550 or more repeated characters into the password parameter, an attacker can trigger an application crash, disrupting normal database administration operations.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can cause application crashes and denial of service conditions by exploiting improper input validation in the password field, potentially disrupting database administration workflows.

Affected Products

• Navicat for Oracle version 12.1.15

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-30 - CVE CVE-2019-25653 published to NVD
• 2026-03-30 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2019-25653

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper input validation in Navicat for Oracle's password handling mechanism. When users configure an Oracle database connection, the application fails to properly validate the length of input provided in the password field. The lack of boundary checking allows an attacker to supply an excessively long string that exceeds the expected buffer size, leading to application instability and subsequent crash.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-620 (Unverified Password Change), though the primary impact is denial of service through improper handling of oversized input. The local attack vector requires the attacker to have access to the system where Navicat for Oracle is installed, limiting the scope of exploitation to authenticated local users.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2019-25653 is insufficient input validation in the password field handler. The application does not implement proper length checks or boundary validation when processing password input during connection configuration. When a string of approximately 550 or more characters is entered into the password field, the application fails to handle this edge case gracefully, resulting in a crash condition.

Attack Vector

Exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to a system running Navicat for Oracle 12.1.15. The attack is straightforward:

1. An attacker opens the Navicat for Oracle application
2. The attacker initiates a new Oracle connection configuration
3. In the password field, the attacker pastes or enters a string containing 550 or more repeated characters
4. The application crashes due to improper handling of the oversized input

This attack does not require any special privileges beyond the ability to run the Navicat application. The vulnerability can be exploited to disrupt database administration activities, though it does not lead to code execution or data compromise. Technical details and proof-of-concept information are available in the Exploit-DB #46383 advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25653

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected crashes of the Navicat for Oracle application during connection configuration
• Application crash logs showing memory-related errors when processing connection parameters
• Evidence of abnormally long strings in application input fields or configuration files

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for repeated Navicat for Oracle application crashes on endpoint systems
• Implement application-level logging to capture input field validation failures
• Use endpoint detection solutions to identify patterns of application instability that may indicate exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable crash reporting and analysis for Navicat for Oracle installations
• Review application event logs for patterns of abnormal termination
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity endpoint protection to detect and alert on application crash patterns that may indicate exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25653

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Navicat for Oracle to the latest available version from the vendor
• Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions of Navicat for Oracle
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized users from launching database administration tools

Patch Information

Users should upgrade to a newer version of Navicat for Oracle that addresses this input validation issue. The vendor provides downloads through the official Navicat for Oracle Download page. Review the VulnCheck Advisory on Navicat DoS for additional guidance on remediation.

Workarounds

• Restrict physical and remote access to workstations with Navicat for Oracle installed
• Use role-based access control to limit which users can launch database administration tools
• Consider deploying Navicat for Oracle in a controlled environment with limited user access until patching is complete
• Monitor application usage logs for signs of exploitation attempts